By Belize Live News Staff: Leader of the Opposition Tracy Taegar Panton used her 2026 Independence Day address to raise concerns about the cost of living, saying many Belizeans are working harder but struggling to keep pace with rising household expenses.
Panton delivered the address as Belize celebrated its 45th anniversary of Independence under the theme, “Look at Me. I Am Belize at 45.”
While acknowledging Belize’s progress over more than four decades, Panton described inflation as a crisis that has been intensified by global disruptions but is being felt directly in Belizean homes.
She pointed specifically to the cost of food, fuel, electricity, water, housing, education, production and transportation.
“Far too many Belizeans are working harder while falling further behind,” Panton said in the prepared address.
The Opposition Leader argued that acknowledging international pressures is not enough and called for targeted measures aimed at reducing the impact on Belizean families.
She said parents are being forced to make difficult financial decisions, pensioners are stretching fixed incomes and businesses are weighing whether they can continue operating.
Panton also argued that economic performance should not be judged solely through national statistics.
According to her, growth should be measured by its impact on the market basket, household budgets and communities.
She called for policies that expand local production, support small businesses, create better paying jobs, protect the environment and leave Belizean families with more disposable income.
Panton also highlighted Belize’s trade deficit and said expanded trade agreements will only produce meaningful benefits if Belizean products and services are competitive and available in sufficient quantities.
Her economic remarks formed part of a wider Independence Day message that celebrated Belize’s accomplishments while calling for what she described as a national renewal.
